Astros report: Correa, Singleton, Springer give glimpse of future

In three years, prospects Carlos Correa, Jonathan Singleton and George Springer could form the core of the Astros’ lineup.

Wednesday, the promising trio were starters.

The majority of the Astros’ every-day players were given the day off, allowing Correa to start at shortstop, Singleton at first base and Springer in center field.

“It’s all about evolution. It’s all about opportunity,” said manager Bo Porter.

Correa was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2012 amateur draft. Singleton is the Astros’ No. 2 overall prospect, according to Baseball America, while Springer is No. 3.

Correa’s first at-bat resulted in a smooth single to center field, with the 18-year-old pushing a shot between Mets second baseman Jordany Valdespin and the bag. Correa soon stole second. And he drove home the Astros’ first run with an RBI groundout in the eighth inning.

Ankiel’s addition is not a surprise. He entered Wednesday batting .415 with three home runs and six RBIs and has been one of the club’s best overall players during spring training.

However, the Astros hadn’t made his addition official before Porter said he was on the team during a pregame interview.

Ankiel is expected to be the Astros’ every-day right fielder. He and veteran lefthander Erik Bedard will soon be added to the team’s 40-man roster. The Astros have 38 players on their roster after pitcher Sam Demel was claimed by the New York Yankees on Wednesday.

Odds and ends

Alex White is scheduled to start Friday against the Cubs in an exhibition at Minute Maid Park. Brad Peacock, competing with White for the No. 4 starter’s spot, will take the mound Saturday. The Astros are expected to choose between the duo before the team’s opening-night game Sunday. … The Astros could have more than 15 prospects in uniform during the Cubs series. Carlos Correa, Jonathan Singleton and George Springer are expected to play.

Game recap: The Astros fell 6-2 to the New York Mets on Wednesday in a Grapefruit League game at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The Mets held a 5-0 lead through seven innings.

Big bat: The Astros recorded only three hits through the initial eight innings. Carlos Correa, Brandon Laird and Jason Jaramillo singled.

Starter: Astros right-hander Edgar Gonzalez allowed three earned runs and four hits in three innings, striking out two and walking one. Gonzalez is competing for one of the final spots on the Astros’ 25-man opening-day roster.

Prospects: Jonathan Singleton, George Springer and Correa started for the Astros, who rested most of their every-day players. Correa finished 1-for-4, striking out twice, leaving two runners on base and committing an error.